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Beyond Boundaries: The Art of Creating Without Limits

Edward Schooley
Posted: September 1, 2026
"Originality isn't found by searching for a new sound. It's discovered the moment an artist has the confidence to become completely themselves." — Edward Schooley, Editor in Chief, Guitar Thrills Magazine

Photo credit: Lotus Josephine

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EDITOR IN CHIEF | GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE TAMPA, FL U.S.A.

Edward Schooley

Founded in 2021. GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE of Tampa, FL Guitar Thrills Magazine of Tampa, FL U.S.A. The GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE is excited to bring you some of the music industries finest talent. Including the world of entertainment. Our focus includes the long term goals and aspirations of artists of all sorts. We are an unbiased reporting platform. You are getting insight into the world of music. No, we are not your fathers website for music news. We have grown into our own, and rely upon decades of music experience and knowledge. Guitar Thrills Magazine is a hard act to follow.

Music has always been difficult to define. Throughout history, artists have challenged conventions, blending influences that others believed should remain separate. Those willing to step outside the expected often become the very musicians who reshape how we think about creativity.

Few emerging artists embody that spirit more naturally than guitarist, songwriter, and vocalist Mei Semones.

Rather than following a familiar blueprint, Mei has crafted a musical language that feels refreshingly personal. Elements of jazz harmony, indie rock, Brazilian influences, intricate guitar work, and deeply expressive songwriting coexist without ever feeling forced. The result isn't music designed to satisfy a particular genre—it is music driven by curiosity.

That curiosity may be one of the defining characteristics of today's most compelling artists.

In an industry that often encourages musicians to find a lane and remain there, there is something refreshing about an artist who allows creativity to determine the destination instead of expectations. It requires confidence to trust your instincts when they lead somewhere unfamiliar. It also requires accepting that not every listener will understand the journey immediately.

History suggests that's rarely a bad thing.

Some of the most influential musicians were initially difficult to categorize because they refused to imitate what already existed. They followed inspiration rather than convention, allowing their individuality to become their greatest strength. Over time, what once seemed unconventional often became the very reason audiences connected so deeply with their work.

That philosophy is evident throughout Mei Semones' music. Technical ability certainly plays an important role, but virtuosity never becomes the objective. Every chord, melody, and rhythmic choice serves the emotional direction of the song. The guitar becomes another voice in the conversation rather than simply an instrument demonstrating complexity.

Perhaps that's what separates memorable musicians from impressive musicians.

One leaves audiences amazed.

The other leaves them feeling something.

As listeners, we sometimes become consumed with labels. We ask whether music belongs to jazz, indie, folk, rock, or another category entirely. Yet the most meaningful art often exists somewhere between those definitions. It reminds us that creativity has never respected boundaries, and perhaps it never should.

Our conversation with Mei Semones explores the creative freedom that comes from embracing individuality, trusting instinct over expectation, and allowing music to evolve naturally. It is a reminder that originality isn't something artists search for. Often, it is discovered the moment they stop trying to sound like anyone else.

INTERVIEW WITH MEI SEMONES AND GUITAR THRILLS MAGAZINE

Guitar Thrills: Your music blends influence from several different genres, yet it feels remarkably cohesive. At what point did you realize that you didn't have to choose one musical lane, but could simply create what felt authentic to you?

Mei Semones: I’m not sure if it was really a specific realization that came to me! I don’t think I ever felt like I had to choose one musical lane, I think I was always just trying to make music that I like, and that ended up being a blend of different things

Guitar Thrills: Curiosity seems to play a major role in your songwriting. Where does that curiosity come from, and how has it shaped the musician you've become?

Mei Semones: I think the beautiful thing about music is that you can always go deeper and there is always more to learn! The rest of my life is not long enough to master the guitar. I think my curiosity comes from just wanting to learn more and become a better musician and guitarist, and that naturally flows into my songwriting.

Guitar Thrills: Your guitar playing is technically impressive, but it never feels like technique for technique's sake. How do you strike the balance between musicianship and emotional storytelling?

Mei Semones: I am happy to hear that! I don’t really think about it to be honest — I just write whatever I like, whatever feels fun and interesting for me to play, and I’m happy it comes across that way to you 🙂

Guitar Thrills: Every artist develops a creative process that's uniquely their own. When inspiration arrives, what usually comes first—the melody, the lyrics, the guitar, or something entirely unexpected?

Mei Semones: It depends on the song, but often it’s a melody or line on the guitar first and then the song develops from there. Or sometimes it’s harmony first, and then a melody emerges from there. It almost always starts on the guitar, whether it’s melodic or harmonic, and lyrics usually come last.

Guitar Thrills: Many musicians feel pressure to fit neatly into a specific genre. Have you ever experienced that pressure, and how important has it been to remain true to your own artistic vision?

Mei Semones: I have never really felt that pressure! Luckily, I have been surrounded by kind & supportive friends and musicians, and I don’t recall anyone ever questioning my musical choices. But even if they did, I think that the most important thing is that I like the music, so I probably wouldn’t worry about it too much!

Guitar Thrills: Looking back, what has surprised you the most about your own growth—not only as a guitarist, but as a songwriter and artist?

Mei Semones: I am surprised by how much more comfortable I have gotten on stage. I still get nervous every now and then, but much less than when I started. I’m also surprised that we’re able to tour all around the world, in places we’ve never been before, and people come to see the shows!

Guitar Thrills: Collaboration often introduces new perspectives. Are there particular musicians or experiences that have challenged the way you think about creating music?

Mei Semones: I have collaborated with a few friends like Liana Flores, John Roseboro, Willow Smith, Aron! as well as my bandmates. Collaborating with other songwriters makes me think more deeply about parts of the music that I don’t always focus on — like the lyrics or focusing on a specific sound. Collaborating with my bandmates also brings lots of new rhythmic & melodic ideas that I could never come up with on my own!

Guitar Thrills: Your music feels incredibly personal while still inviting listeners to interpret it in their own way. How much of yourself do you intentionally leave within each song?

Mei Semones: I don’t really think about it to be honest! I just write whatever feels right to me, and sometimes it’s more personal and specific and other times it’s vaguer. I like how the songs can mean something different to each person who listens to them, no matter what they might mean to me.

Guitar Thrills: If listeners could walk away understanding one thing about Mei Semones beyond the music itself, what would you hope that is?

Mei Semones: Hmmm that is a hard question — I would hope they know that I wish them happiness!

Guitar Thrills: As you look toward the future, what continues to inspire you creatively, and what kind of legacy do you hope your music ultimately leaves behind?

Mei Semones: I am inspired a lot by other music and musicians. Listening to and playing with great musicians inspires me to be better. And I hope my music can be a source of comfort to people who listen to it now and in the future!

Conclusion

Creativity rarely follows a straight line, and our conversation with Mei Semones serves as a reminder of why that matters. Rather than chasing trends or allowing genres to define her work, she has embraced the freedom to create music that reflects her own experiences, influences, and artistic curiosity.

That willingness to remain authentic is perhaps her greatest strength. It allows every performance to feel genuine, every composition to feel intentional, and every new project to become another chapter in an artistic journey that continues to evolve.

As listeners, we're reminded that great music isn't always about fitting within expectations. Sometimes it's about having the courage to move beyond them.

PRS Standard 24 Review from Guitar Thrills Magazine Tampa, FL The World of Rock and Blues Magazine.

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